The World Cup in Russia 2018 is now just a few months away and Nigeria are preparing for what should be an exciting tournament, with our young and talented side set to be involved in a fascinating group.

The Super Eagles have been paired with South American giants Argentina yet again, which will be the fifth time in just six World Cups that the two have gone toe-to-toe, whilst the pair are joined in Group D by Iceland and Croatia.

It could end up being one of the most finely balanced groups in the tournament as every side will have aspirations of reaching the latter stages, though the main fight will likely be for a spot in second as Argentina are amongst the favourites to go all the way this summer.

Of the sides representing Africa though, Nigeria look to be one of the strongest and they’ll have the chance to be the pride of the continent in Russia- building upon the success that Ghana enjoyed in 2010.

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Africa’s World Cup

In South Africa eight years ago, the first World Cup to be held in the African continent, it was Ghana who carried the hopes of an entire region as they enjoyed a remarkable run to the quarter-finals, only to be cruelly denied by Luis Suarez’s handball.

That charge equalled the best-ever tournament for an African side, with Ghana following in the footsteps of the Senegal side of 2002 and the Cameroon side of 1990 to advance to the quarter-final stages of the competition.

No side has ever reached the final four though, and Nigeria face an immense challenge if they’re to make history this summer, but they have the opportunity to make a bold statement on behalf of an entire continent- particularly at a period where FIFA is considering expanding the World Cup, which should allow more African teams to qualify.

The Stars To Watch

Nigeria won’t be scared of the tough draw they were handed at the World Cup, as they advanced from a Group of Death in qualifying that included Algeria, Cameroon and Zambia; two of whom, alongside Nigeria, represented Africa in the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

Thrilling performances through qualifying, with included 5-1 drubbings of Cameroon, have raised excitement levels tenfold, with Nigeria boasting a talented squad bursting with exciting youngsters- including Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho and Arsenal’s FA Cup winner Alex Iwobi.

Both of those players scored in a memorable victory over Argentina in November, winning 4-2, which turned out to be a dress rehearsal of this summer’s group clash. If Nigeria can achieve a similar result then it would certainly become one of the most famous African victories at a World Cup.

It’s not just a two-man team though, as that pairing are joined by fellow exciting youngsters Isaac Success, Henry Onyekuru and Wilfred Ndidi- all of whom will hold aspirations of making the Super Eagles’ squad for this summer’s tournament.

Paired with the experience of Odion Ighalo, Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel, Nigeria may well have something special brewing.

A Difficult Group

After overcoming a nightmare group in qualifying, Nigeria will have to do it all over again this summer in a group that is difficult to predict. Croatia, who exited at the group stage in 2014, will have their eyes on redemption, whilst Iceland will be looking to make a name for themselves once again after staring at the European Championships in 2016.

Nigeria begin their campaign in Russia with a crucial clash against Croatia, which could end up being decisive in who progresses from Group D, before then playing Iceland in Volgograd. Their group finishes with a clash against Argentina in Saint Petersburg, where Nigeria will hope to secure progression to the knockout rounds.

Should Nigeria advance as runners-up, the likelihood is they’ll face another mammoth clash against a France side that finished runners-up at Euro 2016. If they win Group D, a more manageable fixture against one of Denmark, Australia or Peru will be the reward.

Nigeria have already shown they don’t fear the biggest sides though and could make a real statement of intent at the tournament if they manage to frustrate or knock one of the big sides out of the World Cup, whilst in the latter stages it’s the smallest of margins which will be decisive.